Hailing from France, Jean and Carène Zaragoza have recently brought French flair to Miami by opening Cafe 221, a lovely organic, farm-to-table restaurant in Downtown. The menu offers a variety of items including fresh pastries baked daily, 100% organic smoothies, juices, hormone and antibiotic free meats such as burgers or meatballs, sandwiches, salads, and savory toasts.  We highly recommend  The Farmer, a succulent chicken sandwich “which just isn’t fair” according to a fellow diner. Members of the Tribe will appreciate the bagels and lox and the  pastrami sandwich and burger are also worth a try. Be sure to save room for one of Carene’s desserts- the carrot cake and cheesecake are musts.

221 Cafe brings healthy, natural and organic options to the community. The restaurant serves breakfast and lunch daily with an emphasis on healthy, nutrient rich cuisine. It also features all-natural and organic cheeses, coffee by Panther Coffee, and Zak the Baker breads. The couple has cultivated a modern and eco-friendly atmosphere in the space with woodwork handcrafted by Jean.

221 Cafe is located at 221 NW 1st Avenue.

*For more information, visit www.221cafe.us or call (786) 563 – 2268. Follow 221 Cafe on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @221Cafe

*Metered street parking is available directly in front of the restaurant.

A beautiful partnership From renowned Miami plastic surgeon Dr. Alan Serure, and Clarins—Europe’s No.1 prestige skin care brand—comes the first MedSpa of its kind. Treatments were specifically developed–combining powerful plant formulas and the expertise of the Clarins Touch–to optimize the quality of the skin prior to a medical procedure, and improve the way it looks, feels, and heals during recovery. Dr. Serure’s Clarins-trained Medical Aestheticians are available to perform gentle, 100% Manual MedSpa Treatments for every inch of skin, to ensure the face and body remain flawless. Read the rest here »

Martina Borgomanero Basabe

It is now December 11 and everywhere pre-vacation congestion starts and I am not talking about the flu. Traffic gets crazy, stores get busy, people invade the streets for Christmas shopping, whether it is tree, tree decorations, or a very large amount of presents to buy for family and friends.

Not in Miami.

In Miami, second week of December equals to ghost town. Restaurants are empty, people are zombies, streets are deserted and all of this because of one reason and one only – Post Basel Syndrome (PBS).

Let’s start from the beginning – allegedly Art Basel runs for four days, this year from December 4 to 7. NOT TRUE. Art Basel runs for a solid ten, starting the weekend before and finishing the weekend after the week of the actual exhibits, and reaches a peak during those four days and three nights that is comparable only to a freight train that derails, hits everyone and everything around it, but just keeps on going leaving desolation behind. Hence – ghost town.

Read the rest here »

Lucy Morillo, Criselda Breene, Dr. Kini, Sofial Joelsson, Calora Pimentel, & Cassie Preston

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

Champagne wishes, caviar dreams and the best truffle risotto delighted well-heeled (pun intended) Miami influencers and socialites at the highly-anticipated Wine, Women & Shoes Kick-off party benefiting Miami Children’s Health Foundation which took place on Saturday, December 13, 2014.

The glamorous event was hosted by renowned interior designer, Sofia Joelsson on the gorgeous rooftop of her penthouse home in South Beach to celebrate the upcoming 4th Annual Wine, Women & Shoes presented by Sergio Rossi, which is scheduled for February 4, at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami.

The event served as a backdrop for chairs Carola Pimentel and Criselda Breene to announce Sergio Rossi as this year’s High Heel Presenting Sponsor. Read the rest here »

The Wonderwalls

The Wonderwalls, an avant-garde design and home décor brand, will host an event at CABLE Design on Saturday, December 13, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. during Wynwood Art Walk to celebrate its U.S. inauguration. The Wonderwalls is currently composed of 10 renowned artists from Barcelona, Spain— Alex Trochut, Ariana Perez, Josep Basora, Flavita Banana, Inocuo, Laia Munnà, Laura Meseguer, Losiento, Maria Diamantes and Philippe Fernandez—who use rich typography, minimal art and inspirational narratives to create unique, powerful wall décor perfect for the home. The event, sponsored by Estrella Damm, will showcase the artists’ designs, including famed artist Trochut’s exclusive vinyl designs for The Wonderwalls—featuring “Lipstick-Bullet,” “Cat-Girl,” “Feather-Knife” and “Razor Blade-Queen.” Complimentary beer, bites from local food trucks, and live music will keep the vibe festive throughout the day. To request an interview or RSVP to the event, e-mail Rebecca Astorga at Rebecca@taraink.com.

Serena Williams Ultimate RUN South Beach

On the heels of making history after winning the 2014 U.S. Open – her 18th Grand Slam title – Serena Williams will join thousands of avid running enthusiasts from South Florida and around the country for the first annual Serena Williams Ultimate RUN South Beach, taking place on Sunday, December 14th. The Quarter Marathon (6.55 miles), 5K Run/Walk and Ultimate KIDS Dash will bring together runners of all ages and abilities to support the Serena Williams Fund, which provides assistance to families affected by violent crimes and providing underprivileged youth around the world with the highest quality of education available to them. Registration for each event is still open at www.TheUltimateRun.com.

Breakfast with Santa at Hard Rock Café Philadelphia for Toys for Tots

The Christmas season is just around the corner! Instead of waiting in line for hours at the mall for a picture with Santa, join Hard Rock Cafe for their annual Breakfast with Santa. On December 13-14 and 20-21, 8:30am – 10am, Hard Rock will offer a delicious breakfast buffet, complete with story time with Santa, goodie bags, and digital photos with Kris Kringle himself. Tickets are $18, and children 2 and younger are free with a paid adult. In keeping with the Christmas spirit, Breakfast with Santa will benefit Toys for Tots. This is the perfect excuse to skip the holiday madness without skipping the photo op, so make your reservations today. Tickets available here: http://www.hrcphillymusic.com/event/695631-breakfast-santa-philadelphia/

Délice by Chandon

Chandon, known as California’s sparkling wine pioneers, have introduced Délice their newest addition. In keeping with the style established when the winery was founded, Délice draws on French heritage and the innovative spirit of California. Like all Chandon wines, Délice is a sophisticated and vibrant sparkling wine that enlivens all occasions; Available in Florida and Texas in 2014 and nationwide in spring 2015.With a generous creamy, luscious mouthfeel, Délice is semi-sweet and refreshing. It tantalizes the palate with nectarine, pear, golden apple and ruby grapefruit flavors. Délice is the perfect match for all kinds of spicy dishes, such as Thai curry, Cajun jambalaya and Mexican salsa. It is also delicious with creamy cheeses of all kinds and rich, decadent desserts such as lemon meringue pie or crème brûlée.